Could Birdman, Bosh play in tandem?

ASK IRA:

Ask Ira is a daily feature of the Sun Sentinel

March 31, 2013|By Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun Sentinel

SAN ANTONIO — Q: Hey Ira, why doesn't Erik Spoelstra play Chris Bosh and Chris Andersen together? I believe those two together creates an offensive and defensive problem for every team in the league. -- Frank, Ocala.

A: He has, but as much in not in crunch time. Foremost, it's all about spacing with the Heat, and having players such as Ray Allen, Shane Battier or even Mario Chalmers on the court alongside Bosh, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade better balances the floor. Now, could the Heat go to Andersen and Bosh together on defensive sequences? Absolutely. But Birdman tends to be more of a defensive presence off the ball than as a one-on-one stopper. But keep one thing in mind: Spoelstra has yet to show his full hand this season and likely won until the playoffs.

Q: Ira, would you consider LeBron James as one of the top five contenders for Defensive Player of the Year? He has played very good defense this year and the Heat have a top 10 defense. -- John.

A: Absolutely. But the award tends to go to defensive specialists, rather than two-way players such as LeBron, which is why someone like a Tony Allen might have a better shot among perimeter players than LeBron. If the selection is a big man, someone like Joakim Noah, then it would be easier to accept LeBron being bypassed. The ballot allows for three players to be listed, with Noah and Marc Gasol likely in consideration for two of those spots. Yet in a late-game, one-on-one situation, few relish the challenge of being defended by LeBron, let alone those who play in transition in fear of a LeBron trademark chase-down blocked shot.

Q: Wait! I'm confused. After reading your article about the Heat not having any draft picks, I thought they had the 76ers' first round pick this June? -- Bruno, Pompano Beach.

A: Only if the 76ers make the playoffs, which they're definitely not doing. So the Heat have to wait until Philadelphia works its way out of the lottery down the road, or else it turns into second-round fodder.